Word: pleven
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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Friendly Gesture. As Schuman's shaky government floundered, René Pleven, unofficial leader of the U.D.S.R., stepped up with a life preserver-with a long string to it. Pleven's proposition: if Schuman would promise to hold early elections (which the Gaullists would probably win), then the Gaullist R.P.F. would support him as an interim, anti-Communist premier. No longer would Schuman have to squeak by with dwindling majorities...
...weeks ago Pleven had laid the groundwork for his deal. He told De Gaulle that though the R.P.F. would probably come to power, after a series of parliamentary crises, the Communists might meanwhile start a violent insurrection. "What is necessary," said Pleven, "is to organize a painless transition. You should make some friendly gesture toward those leaders of the present regime for whom you have personal respect...
...Strong as Possible. The reference to "some men" in the present government was enough to start Pleven on the second stage of his search for a painless transition. He called on Robert Schuman. Over an austere Schuman dinner of soup, omelet, vegetables and mineral water, Pleven proposed his deal. Schuman was undecided...
Last week, Pleven brought his proposition half into the open. In a careful statement to the press he reviewed the familiar facts of crisis in Western Europe. "In the face of these eventualities," he concluded, "I consider it is in the interests of France, Europe and peace that there should be as strong a government as possible in France. By strong, I mean reposing on the biggest possible majority of the French people. . . . National interest demands an understanding . . . between General de Gaulle and Robert Schuman...
...Throughout the debate Thorez sat, scarlet-faced and obviously uncomfortable, staring at his desk. After he had cast his vote for the Government his hand was wrung lengthily, emotionally even, by Ramadier. Thorez hung his head like a small boy when Rene Pleven, lanky, bespectacled Radical spokesman, asked quietly: 'Are there two consciences for the Communist Party? Is there one conscience for Communist Ministers, and another conscience for the rest of the Communist Party...